Along with Mark Mancina, Rabin would appear to be Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer's favourite son these last few years, with the 'Armageddon', 'Con Air' and 'National Treasure' soundtracks to his credit.
Way back in 1989, things were different, but the future was forming. Single handed, Rabin had rescued
Yes from oblivion, then went on to record this solo album. I know
'Wolf' gets the good press, but for me,
'I Can't Look Away' is his finest solo moment.
The spine tingling emotive power of Rabin's huge choruses and cinematic production touch on this and the
Yes album 'Talk' some years later signalled he was ready and able for a future in Hollywood, but there was much more to
'I Can't Look Away' than an apprenticeship for thundering, earsplitting, surround sound movie music.
This was Rabin's opportunity to comment, albeit obliquely, on the political turmoil in late twentieth century South Africa, his native land, but don't for a moment think that this is a highly politicised affair. While some of his lyrical meanings are crystal clear, others are open to interpretation.
Anger clearly fuels the title track and
'Cover Up'. In stark contrast, an undertow of melancholic gravity pulls you into '
Sorrow' and
'Eyes of Love' as Rabin homes in on the human cost at a personal level. Yet, despite the troubles, the tug of home is almost palpable for Rabin, as evinced on the misty eyed '
I Miss You Now'.
Later in the album, '
I Didn't Think It Would Last' and
'Hold On To Me' are straightforward rock songs with a distinct Rabin/
Yes dimension. The first is an absolute classic. Staccato guitar riffs, tiptoeing bass lines and massive keyboard swells underpin the song's highly melodic crescendos and wall of sound chorus, predating 'The Calling' by about five years, and make it the album's standout track.
A couple of cracking guitar instrumental tracks fill the gaps.
'Sludge' is a funky, jazz tinged musing, and sounds like Rabin getting something out his system. Fittingly, '
The Cape' closes the album, as this is much more atmospheric and cinematic - taking us full circle.
As we're unlikely to see any further Rabin solo albums outside of movie soundtracks,
'I Can't Look Away' effectively crowns a solo career with an irresistible combination of style and substance.
Written by
Brian Monday, May 1, 2006
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